Paul Craig secured a brilliant victory in his middleweight debut at UFC London, and he knows how a fight with Khamzat would go.
Last night the UFC returned to London with a packed event, one of the many storylines that emerged was Paul Craigs’ debut win at Middleweight.
Craig met #14 ranked Andre Muniz in the highly anticipated bout. Craig showcased his improved standup game in round 1 and some grappling exchanges. In round 2 Craig looked to test Muniz’ Jiu-Jitsu. After almost getting caught in a triangle Paul ended up on top and ended the fight with vicious elbows.
Khamzat meanwhile is fighting Paulo Costa at UFC 294 this October in Abu Dhabi
Paul Craig Predicts a Finish Against Khamzat
In his post-fight press conference, Craig was asked about the top contenders at middleweight: “We knew Muniz was a high-level jiu-jitsu black belt, you know he broke Jacares arm and did the same to Eryck Anders.”
“We are a different animal, we are a Scottish guy who should’t have Jiu Jitsu the way we have it. We are a small nation who is not an athletic nation, but what we have got is heart and determination and I showed that in the fight. Even when we’re taking shots and damage we’re always there.”
Next Paul was asked about Khamzat and if it was a fight he would like down the line: “Who knows where we’ll be put in the division, we’ll find out on Monday.”
Paul Continued “Anybody in front of me that’s who I’m looking to take on, and if it is Khamzat and he tries to take me down, there is a good chance he’s gonna get triangled”
Paul Craig Talks His Jiu Jitsu
The “Bearjew” then discussed his Jiu Jitsu credentials: “My Jiu Jitsu, I never had faith in my Jiu Jitsu and it’s starting to build up. You know people say Pauls got good Jiu Jitsu, but you always doubt your abilities, and this fight here is one of the ones where I was like ‘right if I’m a Jiu Jitsu guy I must be able to defend, attack and win fights. I’m a Jiu Jitsu guy who’s dangerous in MMA”
Paul Craig has showcased his Jiu Jitsu on a number of occasions in the UFC with multiple submission wins, now at middleweight the future looks bright for the bearjew.
How do you see a fight against Khamzat going for Paul Craig? Who else would be a good matchup in the division? Let us know in the comments.
Video courtesy of MMA Junkie
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
